Childhood, Buenos Aires, Argentina: seafaring family, military education; Argentina’s historical role in geographical exploration; impact of World War II exiles on Argentinean culture, scientific research; mapping and hydrography work with the Argentine Navy Antarctic Task Force, 1953-54; consequences of the 1955 revolution; 1957 Vema cruise collaboration between Lamont Geophysical Observatory, Ar gentinean Navy: data collection, work ethic, equipment, difficult living conditions; impact of International Geophysical Year on Argentinean science; Soviet scientists during Cold War; continental drift research and debates; studies at Columbia University, 1959-1964; work in Argentina’s Naval Hydrographic office; private hydrographic consulting work; relationship between politics and scientific research in Argentina; reminiscences of colleagues.